TU Delft students will join the Optiver Trading Academy, led by Optiver industry expert Robbert Pullen, this exclusive five-session program takes you from the foundations of options theory to hands-on algorithm development and testing. Fine-tune your skills on Optiver’s simulated exchange, Optibook, while blending academic insights with industry application, providing you with tools and skills directly applicable to a career in the trading industry.

You’ll walk away with:

• A deep understanding of financial markets, options theory and algorithmic trading – no financial background required!
• Direct experience on a simulated market exchange, offering a glimpse into what it’s like to work as a trader at a leading global market maker.
• The skill to design and optimise a Python trading algorithm based on real financial market data.
• A certificate from Optiver, awarded upon successfully finishing the Trading Academy and participating in the final algorithmic trading competition.

Course overview

• Market making theory: Foundations of market making, including options theory, evolving to practical data analysis and Python algorithm design.
• Hands-on practice: Build and optimise Python-based trading algorithms in Optibook, our real-time simulated exchange.
• Competitive challenges: The course concludes in a competitive event where you’ll deploy your Optibook algorithms against those of your peers. This event replicates the high stakes and rewards of real trading, giving you insights into the day-to-day life of a trader. An exciting prize awaits the winning team!

Eligibility criteria

• A registered student at TU Delft
• A strong aptitude in mathematics
• Basic coding proficiency – participants will use Python for this challenge
• No prior backgrounds in financial markets is required

Application procedure

1. Complete the online application form ( linked below).
2. After you submit your application, you will receive an email inviting you to Optiver’s Online Assessment Platform to complete the OAP test—a 30-minute assessment that must be completed within 3 days. Please check your Spam or Junk folder if you do not receive it. Should any issues arise, or if you do not receive the assessment email, please reach out to our recruitment team via email for assistance and include ‘TU Delft Optiver Trading Academy’ in the subject line to help us quickly identify the matter.
3. You will hear back about your application decision by November 13.

Key dates

• Course duration: November 27 –December 12, 2025
• Schedule:
  27 November 11:00 – 12:30
  4 December 11:00 – 12:30
  5 December 9:00 – 10:30
  11 December 11:00 – 12:30
  12 December 9:00 – 10:30

Application deadline: Friday 14 November, 12:00 CET

Apply below for this incredible opportunity to enhance your knowledge and get practical skills in the world of algorithmic trading.

Application closed.